What should you know about a sinus MRI scan?

A clinician may request it when symptoms persist, when an examination raises a concern, or when more detail is needed about inflammation, blockage, a growth, or nearby tissue. The scan helps guide assessment; it does not by itself establish that a finding is cancer.

MRI creates slices of the head and face without using X-rays. It can show the air-filled sinus spaces, their lining, fluid or thickening, and soft tissue beside the sinuses. Images may also help a specialist examine the eye sockets, skull base, nerves, and tissues near the brain.

Some examinations use an injected contrast agent to make particular tissues or blood vessels easier to distinguish. The imaging team will ask about kidney problems, previous reactions to contrast, pregnancy, and medicines or implants before deciding whether contrast is suitable.

Follow the imaging centre’s instructions about eating, drinking, and medicines. Tell staff about a pacemaker, cochlear implant, metal fragments, surgical clips, braces, or any other device or metal in your body. Remove jewellery, watches, cards, hearing aids, and other metal items before entering the scan room.

The scanner is a short tunnel, and it makes loud knocking sounds while images are taken. You will need to lie still; keeping your eyes closed and using the provided hearing protection may make the experience easier. Tell the team beforehand if enclosed spaces cause distress, because they can discuss suitable support.

Contact a clinician promptly for sinus symptoms that persist, repeatedly return, or are accompanied by facial swelling, recurrent nosebleeds, or a change in vision. These symptoms have several possible causes, so they need assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Seek urgent medical help for rapidly worsening swelling around an eye, new vision loss or double vision, confusion, a severe headache unlike your usual headaches, a stiff neck, or high fever with marked illness. Do not wait for a routine scan appointment when these symptoms are severe or sudden.

Ask what the scan is intended to clarify, whether contrast is planned, and whether you need to change any medicines or eating habits. You can also ask how and when the result will be explained, and whether an ear, nose and throat specialist or another clinician will review it.